John Tortorella put his players through a conditioning-heavy, hour-long practice, and Vinny Prospal (knee) was on the ice with his teammates for the first time this season.

"I guess it's better to go through the torture skating with your teammates than by yourself," said Prospal, who is still likely a month away from returning.

Tortorella said Derek Boogaard, who has been out with an injured shoulder, had been experiencing headaches while doing off-ice workouts and has been shut down. The fear, obviously, is a concussion, so Boogaard won't resume any activity until he's been diagnosed.

Rangers are off tomorrow before a Wednesday practice and Thursday game with the Lightning at MSG before the two-day holiday break.